Reported by: James Bovington
Boxer Andy Walshaw, from Horsforth, who trains out of Tobyns Thai Boxing Gym in Armley, will fight for Jamal Promotions' lightweight title on the last Saturday in June, six weeks to the day since his brother Matty and three other boys were killed in a car accident on Leeds Ring Road, Horsforth.
“My fight is on the 29th,” said Walshaw, the bricklayer.
“And now more than ever, I box in memory of Matty, who himself trained at Tobins and was the person who inspired me to take up boxing.”
“I fell in love with the place straight away and I haven't looked back since. Boxing has been at the heart of my life and it gave me strength when Matty passed away. I owe it to him to do everything I can to win this fight, which will be my seventh as a boxer and as a Thai boxer.”
Andy's brother Joe, 27, is also a boxer and lives in Horsforth with his parents and brother. He is trained by Al Osta at Ultraflex Gym in Farsley.
“I want to go professional,” Joe says, “and I know time is running out. I want to play 10 amateur matches, then play in Malaga in October and then hopefully join the national development programme.”
“I like the thrill of competing because my goal is to prove that I'm mentally and physically tougher and more skilled than my opponent. It's not that I dislike my opponent, it's just that I want to show them what I can do. Andy and I both think that way.”
“Andy worked hard to become a title contender and his dedication to the sport is incredible,” gym owner Mike Tobin said. “His brother Matty and his best friend Brandon, who also died in the accident, also trained here and had great potential. Their memories are cherished by everyone at the club, which now has around 70 members, including 15 women, who train five times a week in sessions.”
Tobin offers one-on-one lessons and Leonardo, 13, “is benefiting greatly from them,” his mother said. “It's great for building his confidence and mental strength. I would encourage other parents to bring their kids in too.”
Anyone interested in Thai boxing training at Tobin's Gym can contact him on 07970 615425 or Tobes1966@hotmail.co.uk Andy Walshaw's fight will take place at the White Rose Banqueting Suite, 12th Tong Road, Leeds on Saturday 29th June. If you would like tickets please message Andy on Facebook or contact Mike Tobin.
